Men of Influence - Mark Gregston

I had the privilege of photographing Mark at our church. He was presenting a parenting conference. He also spoke at our church services earlier that morning. Mark Gregston is the founder of Heartlight Ministries. It is a residential counseling center for teens. He has also written 12 books, as well as the host of the acclaimed radio program, Parenting Today’s Teens. I participated in one of his book studies a few years ago, and really learned about how teens interact in their families. His book, Tough Guys and Drama Queens should be on every parent’s list to read in order to help understand today’s teenagers. Mark is a no-frills kinda guy. Did I mention he kinda looks like Mark Twain (see quote image). He’s very animated when he speaks (see picture set below). He says it like he sees it, which can have a tendency to “turn off” some modern-day church goers, but when you really listen, what he says makes sense. His motto to parents is “lighten up”. And the best advice he can give a confused parent with a troubled teen is to “listen”. It’s not our responsibility to “fix them”, rather help them develop their God-given abilities to make it out in the world. He says his best counseling sessions are usually, “yeah”, “un’huh”, “wow”, “no way”, “c’mon”, because he just listens. He never gives answers, just asks questions. It’s an interesting approach, that seems to work for him and his ministry. Mark is a funny guy as well. He could keep most people entertained for hours with his stories. And boy, does he have some doozies (stories). The loyalty he builds with his residents is lifelong. The best thing parents can do is to make sure their children know they are loved. Leave the perfectionism, the control, and the judgemental attitudes at the door. If you want to grow closer to your teen, be vulnerable with your teen. Be honest. His quote (see image below) is something every single person on the planet should read, believe, and put into practice. If you are ever in East Texas (Longview), look him up. I’m sure he’d have a cup of coffee with you and welcome you with conversation. Mark is making an impact in so many ways today. The world is definitely a better place because of him. That’s why he is one of my Men of Influence.

Mark displaying his inviting personality

The Modern-day Evangelical Mark Twain

This could be a portrait taken back in the Cowboy days…

The animated and dynamic speaker in action, telling me a story….

Men of Influence - Eric Metaxas

When it comes to photography, I mean working as a full time photographer, you have to stay sharp.  Most photographers create personal projects in which to sharpen their skills, and continue to get better at practicing their craft.  I've started numerous personal projects, that are on-going, but I started a new one these past couple of months.  I thought something that is "personal" with me is my faith, so I contacted many of the people who have influenced me and my faith over my lifetime.  Of course,  I received many rejections to photograph them, but I did get quite of few that were willing to allow me to create a portrait of them.  I'm calling it "Men of Influence".  After about two months of phone calls and emails, I was given the awesome opportunity to photograph Eric Metaxas, a New York Times best selling author, speaker, and radio show host.  You can learn more about him here (www.ericmetaxas.com).  Eric is from New York, so coordinating the logistics was quite a feat.  Fortunately for me, Eric was speaking in Houston (The Woodlands) at a fundraiser, the PACN 2018 Spring Gala (Pregnancy Assistance Center North).  I was only going to have 15 minutes with him, so I had planned about 3-4 different setups.  When I arrived, the event planner, Mindy Reynolds, promised to get me a space to take Eric's portrait.  She delivered for sure.  I was given a large conference room.  I couldn't have asked for a better setup.  After giving it some thought, I finally decided on two setups.  One for a more dramatic look, and one for a more commercial, but different look.  Eric arrived, and was so down-to-earth.  His sense of humor is by far, the wittiest, I have ever been around.  He was game for anything I asked, so when I broke out the big-nose, hairy eyebrow glasses, he took and ran with it (see one of the images).  One of the reasons I wanted to photograph Eric was his authentic, matter-of-fact faith.  He pulls no punches, and doesn't criticize your beliefs.  He just speaks truth and isn't apologetic about it.  One story that solidified him in my ring of influence was when he was speaking about his book, "If You Can Keep It".  He tells the story of the creation of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.  When a local madame asked Ben Franklin what they decided on (what type of government), Mr. Franklin responded with "A Republic, if you can keep it".  The meaning goes really deep into how our country came to be; the two principles of how it is structured.  And that, along with Eric's unwavering faith, helped me choose him as one of my "Men of Influcence".  If you get the chance, visit his website (www.ericmetaxas.com), and make sure to listen to his "I am Second" testimony.  It's fascinating.  Well, back to the story, the fifteen minutes flew by, but I got some great images that reflect his character and personality.  After wrapping up, the husband of the host of the gala event invited me to eat dinner and listen to Eric speak.  I can't say I wasn't blessed that night.  Safe travels, a great room to setup in, and the hospitality of all involved truly blew me away.  If this is how the beginning of my "Men of Influence" project will turn out, I can't wait for my next subject.  Thanks again to all that helped coordinate this: Janille, Mindy, and of course, Eric.  I'm grateful for this "Divine Appointment".